Alerts In Effect

Contact Us

Rancho Corral de Tierra Transferred to Golden Gate National Recreation Area

Golden Gate National Recreation Area announced the transfer late Friday, December 9, 2011, of 3,800-acre Rancho Corral de Tierra from the Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST) to the National Park Service. Rancho Corral de Tierra is located off Highway 1, south of Devil's Slide between El Granada and Montara, under the shadow of Montara Mountain, in San Mateo County. The property features rolling hills, hidden vales, and coastal vistas.

"We are pleased that Congress has provided funding to complete the purchase of Rancho Corral de Tierra," said Frank Dean, Superintendent of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. "This magnificent parcel adds to the region's protected open space, and helps extend existing national parklands on Milagra Ridge and Sweeney Ridge southward in the Coastside of San Mateo County."

Dean added, "Thanks to the vision of POST, this remarkable parcel-with its breathtaking coastal views, ecologically vital watersheds, and miles of public trails-was protected and preserved for all.

We look forward to continuing our work with the Coastside community in planning for Rancho Corral de Tierra as part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area."

One of the largest swaths of undeveloped land on the San Mateo peninsula, Rancho Corral de Tierra once had been envisioned to become a patchwork of private subdivisions, "ranchettes," and golf links.

POST has a history of working with the National Park Service to extend the Golden Gate National Recreation Area down the San Francisco Peninsula. Walter T. Moore, president of POST said about the transaction, "I'm thrilled to see Rancho Corral de Tierra officially become part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. We are honored to be able to add almost 4,000 more acres of parkland for the public to enjoy. It is a testament to the beauty and ecological significance of this land that it is now a national park."

Highlights of Rancho Corral de Tierra include:

* Dramatic ascent of 2000' Montara Mountain

* Scenic viewshed for California State Highway 1

* Multi-use trail segments for hikers, bikers, and equestrians

* Headwaters of four important watersheds (Martini, Montara, San Vicente, and Denniston Creeks)

The process of transforming the property into a park is only just beginning. In the coming months, the National Park Service will work with the local communities and public land agencies in the Coastside to develop maps and signage on the existing network of trails, and develop a long-term plan for the new national park site.

Visitors to Rancho Corral de Tierra should be aware that the stables and farms in the area (Oceanview Farms, Cabrillo Farms, Renegade Ranch, Ember Ridge, and Moss Beach Ranch) are working operations. Visitors should not enter these properties or approach the animals without permission.